Spoiler sunroof

ABSTRACT

The preferred embodiment of a sunroof includes a sunroof panel, a track, an acutating mechanism, and a panel securing member operable to assist in securing a rear section of the panel to the track when the panel is in a closed position. In another aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly includes a spring biased finger and a panel securing member which are movable relative to a track to secure a rear section of a sunroof panel depending on the positional relationship of the finger relative to a camming member.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally pertains to sunroofs for use in automotive vehicles and more particularly to spoiler sunroof locking, actuating and sealing systems.

Two basic types of motorized sunroofs are commonly used in automotive vehicles. A first type is a drop down opening version where a generally flat glass or metal sunroof panel is movable from a closed position to a tilted venting position and then to a fully open position disposed beneath a stationary roof of the vehicle. The second type is known as a spoiler sunroof. In most spoiler sunroofs, the sunroof panel is movable from a closed position to a venting position and then to a fully open position with a rear section of the panel being disposed above the fixed roof. Spoiler sunroofs are often used when the stationary roof behind the sunroof is relatively small or where it is desired to maximize occupant head room in the passenger compartment.

Examples of various conventional sunroof actuating mechanisms are disclosed in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,765,908 entitled “Adjustment Apparatus for a Sunroof” which issued to Kelm on Jun. 16, 1998; 5,746,475 entitled “Drive Mechanism for an Automotive Vehicle Sunroof Assembly” which issued to Caye et al. on May 5,1998; 5,580,123 entitled “Sun-Roof Device” which issued to Ochiai on Dec. 3, 1996; 5,326,149 entitled “Blocking Device for Sliding-Lifting Roofs for Automobile” which issued to Schlapp on Jul. 5, 1994; 5,069,501 entitled “Spoiler Sunroof Control Mechanism” which issued to Baldwin et al. on Dec. 3, 1991; and 4,877,285 entitled “Open Roof Construction for a Vehicle” which issued to Huyer on Oct. 31, 1989.

In accordance with the present invention, a preferred embodiment of a sunroof includes a sunroof panel, a track, an actuating mechanism movably coupling the panel to the track, and a panel securing member operable to assist in securing a rear section of the panel to the track when the panel is in a closed position. In another aspect of the present invention, a lock assembly includes a spring biased finger and a panel securing member which are movable relative to a track to secure a rear section of a sunroof panel depending on the positional relationship of the finger relative to a camming member. A further aspect of the present invention provides an abutment structure projecting from a device movably associated with a sunroof panel or actuating mechanism for abutting against a stationary track to deter inadvertent collapsing of the panel when in a raised position. Still another aspect of the present invention employs a lever having a lifting pivot coupled to a sunroof panel assembly, a fulcrum movably coupled to a stationary track, and a camming pin interfacing with a movable camming surface. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a bulbous seal has a pair of spaced apart and generally parallel legs mounted to a sunroof housing.

The sunroof of the present invention is advantageous over traditional constructions in that the lock assembly of the present invention couples movement of a front camming mechanism to engagement and disengagement of the panel securing member which operably secures the rear section of the sunroof panel in its closed position. The mechanical movements of the present invention lock assembly provide very reliable, smooth and low effort operational forces due, in part, to transverse spring biasing of a finger relative to the remainder of the lock assembly while also employing linear fore and aft spring biasing of the lock assembly relative to the stationary track; geometrically complicated cams are unnecessary to achieve the desired lock assembly finger-to-actuating mechanism interface. Furthermore, the preferred shape and materials of the preferred embodiment finger of the present invention provide inherent lubricity and low effort disengagement between lead in angles of the finger and the actuating mechanism.

The specific lever and camming arrangement of the present invention actuating mechanism enhance stability and strength of the spoiler sunroof, while minimizing packaging space and cost, especially as compared to many conventional constructions. The specific geometric positioning of the fulcrum, lift pivot and camming pin of the present invention lever achieve a well balanced, powerful and compact mechanism to tilt the sunroof panel. This is further enhanced by the general prevention of vertical movement of the fulcrum relative to the track. Additionally, the abutment structure serves as a failsafe way of deterring undesired collapsing of the venting or open sunroof panel. This supplemental device is especially useful in preventing contact of the sunroof panel against the stationary roof when the vehicle is traveling at high speeds or when a person pushes against the panel when open. Moreover, the present invention seal is advantageous by promoting generally vertical bulb compression when the sunroof panel is moved from an open or venting position, to a closed position. This vertical sealing movement serves to minimize the necessary closing forces of the sunroof panel relative to the track and housing, which also reduces required power of the motor. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary and partially exploded perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of a spoiler sunroof of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary and exploded side elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof disposed in a fully closed position;

FIG. 5 is a top elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof in the fully closed position;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof disposed in a closed but unlocked position;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof disposed in the closed but unlocked position;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view showing the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof disposed in a venting and partially open position;

FIG. 9 is a top elevational view showing a lock assembly of the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view showing the lock assembly of the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic top view showing a finger of the lock assembly and a cam block employed in the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof, disposed in the fully closed and locked position;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic top view showing the finger and cam block employed in the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof, disposed in an intermediate locked position;

FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic top view showing the finger and cam block employed in the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof, disposed in an intermediate unlocked and venting position; and

FIG. 14 is a cross sectional view, taken along line 11—11 of FIG. 1, showing a seal and housing of the preferred embodiment spoiler sunroof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the preferred embodiment of a spoiler sunroof 21 of the present invention includes a sunroof panel assembly 23, a metal housing 25, a panel lifting and actuating mechanism 27, a stationary track 29, a lock assembly 31, and a metal reinforcing pan 33. Housing 25 and reinforcing pan 33 serve to secure a pair of tracks 29 and the associated mechanisms to a stationary fixed roof 35 (see FIG. 14) of an automotive vehicle.

Sunroof panel assembly 23 includes a generally horizontal (when losed) and planar glass panel 41, a bracket 43, a catch 45 and a metal reinforcement 47. Bracket 43 and catch 45 are glued onto a bottom surface of panel 41. Bracket 43 has a bifurcated front end 48 and a threaded fastener for disengagably attaching to reinforcement 47. Bifurcated end 48 captures an edge 49 of an opening in reinforcement 47. Once assembled, reinforcement 47, bracket 43 and panel 41 always move in unison.

Actuating mechanism 27 includes a cam block 51 and a lift lever 53. A flocked and wire wound cable 55 pushes and pulls cam block 51 within a groove 58 of track 29. SUFLEX brand cable which can be purchased from Suhner Manufacturing, Inc. of Rome, Ga., has been found suitable. Cable 55 is operably driven by energization of a fractional horsepower, direct current electric motor (not shown) mounted to a front edge of reinforcing pan 43. Cam block 51 has a slotted, S-shape camming surface 57. Camming surface 57 increases in height adjacent a rear edge of cam block 51. A metal, circular-cylindrical block pin 59 laterally projects in a crosscar manner from a lateral face of cam block 51. Block pin 59 movably rides within a slotted camming surface 61 projecting in a longitudinally fore and aft direction of a downturned flange of reinforcement 47. A bushing 63 is provided as part of block pin 59. Feet 65 of cam block 51 ride within groove 58 and the main body of cam block 51 vertically projects through an elongated upper opening of track 29. A depressed pocket or aperture 67 is disposed in a lateral face of cam block 51 opposite slotted camming surface 57.

Lifting lever 53 has a lifting pivot segment 81 which is fastened to a rear segment of reinforcement 47 by way of a pair of bushings 83 and a pivot pin 85. Pivot pin 85 is secured in holes of reinforcement 47 by use of a lock ring 87. Lever 53 further has a central fulcrum pin 89 pivotably journalled between a pair of bushing shoes 91. Shoes 91 are operable to move in a fore and aft direction inside groove 58 of track 29. However, the fulcrum pin is essentially prevented from vertically moving relative to track 29. Furthermore, a camming extension pin 93 of lever 53 rides along camming surface 57 of cam block 51. Thus, fore and aft movement of cam block 51 causes vertical lifting or lowering of camming pin 93 along camming surface 57. This further causes rotation of lever 53 about fulcrum pin 89 which, in turn, serves to vertically lift and tilt reinforcement 47 and panel 41. The relationship of lifting pivot segment 81, camming pin 93 and fulcrum pin 89 form a triangular shape thereby compactly balancing and maximizing mechanical forces required to lift and lower sunroof panel assembly 23. Cam block 51 and lever 53 are both preferably injection molded from glass-filled Nylon 6/6. Track 29 and reinforcement 47 are preferably made from aluminum.

An L-shaped camming slot 101 is stationarily mounted in track 29. A main pivot pin 103 laterally projecting from downturned flange of reinforcement 47 for movably riding within camming slot 101. This allows vertical initial and final movement of reinforcement 47 and panel 41 relative to track 29 and a weatherstrip seal 105. A cam stop 107 is also mounted to track 29.

As can best be observed in FIGS. 2, 9 and 10, lock assembly 31 has a circular-cylindrical shaft 121, an enlarged two-part head 123 and a panel assembly securing hook 125. A finger 127 is mounted to head 123 by way of a music wire, torsion spring 129. Torsion spring 129 has a coil and a first end disposed inside of head 123. An opposite L-shaped end is injection molded within finger 127. An outer periphery (as viewed from the top, like FIG. 9) of finger 127 has a predominantly curved shape. A nib 131 upwardly extends from a trailing end of lock assembly 31 for engagement by a hook of a music wire extension spring 133. A spring stop 135 has an elongated circular-cylindrical shank 137, a keyhole shaped body 139 and an enlarged head 141. Another hook of extension spring 133 engages a nib 143 upwardly extending from shank 137. Shaft 121 of lock assembly 31, extension spring 133, shank 137, and body 139 are all disposed in another channel or groove 151 of track 29. Spring stop 135 is inserted into an end of groove 151 but head 141 prevents complete insertion. Lock assembly 31 is allowed to move in a fore and aft manner within groove 151 and is biased toward spring stop 135 by extension spring 133. Finger 127 and hook 125 project above track 29. Lock assembly 31 and springs top 135 are preferably injection molded from glass-filled Nylon 6/6.

The operation of spoiler sunroof 21 of the present invention will now be explained in greater detail. FIGS. 4, 5 and 11 illustrate the spoiler sunroof and all of its mechanisms in a fully closed position covering a sunroof opening. The left side of these figures would be forward in the automotive vehicle. In this fully closed orientation, main pivot 103 of reinforcement 47 is in the lowest and forwardmost possible position relative to camming slot 101 of track 29. Furthermore, block pin 59 is disposed in a forwardmost and uppermost possible position relative to camming surface 61 of reinforcement 47. It is noteworthy that these slotted camming surfaces 61 and 101 allow for additional adjusted movement of reinforcement 47 and the sunroof panel relative to seal 105 (see FIG. 14) if the seal does not continue to fully flex to its original position after many years of use. Thus, complete panel-to-seal compression is assured. Furthermore, cam block 51 is located in its forwardmost advanced position when the spoiler sunroof is fully closed. This causes camming pin 93 to be in its uppermost raised orientation relative to camming surface 57. Lifting pivot 81 is thereby rotated about fulcrum pin 89 to its lowest possible position.

In this fully closed position, finger 127 of the lock assembly will engage depressed aperture 67 of cam block 51. Extension spring 133 is extended in this position and unable to pull head 123 or finger 127 since finger 127 is laterally wedged between an inwardly extending tab 201 of housing 25 and cam block 51. Hook 125 engages a lateral arm 203 (see FIG. 1) of catch 45 (also see FIG. 1), when the lock assembly is in its forwardmost position. Therefore, hook 125 serves to secure a rear section of the sunroof panel in its desired closed position, despite pressure changes within the vehicle passenger compartment due to passenger door closing, or when the panel would otherwise move due to rough road driving.

Hook 125 is disengaged from catch 45 (see FIG. 1) when cam block 51 is moved from the fully advanced position shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 11 to the unlocked position shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 13. FIG. 12 shows an intermediate position wherein finger 127 of the lock assembly is rearwardly retracted in concert with cam block 51. In the unlocked state of FIGS. 6, 7 and 13, reinforcement 47 and lever 53 remain unchanged relative to track 29. However, cam block 51 has been slightly moved in a linearly rearward direction. This causes finger 127 to flex out of depressed aperture 67 in a crosscar direction once clear of tab 201. Rearward movement of finger 127 causes a simultaneous rearward disengagement of hook 125 from catch 45 (see FIG. 1). This allows subsequent tilting movement of the sunroof panel.

Further energization of the electric motor causes rearward retraction of cam block 51. First, main pivot 103 of reinforcement 47 is upwardly cammed along camming slot 101. This causes vertical decompression of seal 105 (see FIG. 14). At the same time, camming pin 93 is caused to begin riding down camming surface 57 of cam block 51, thereby upwardly tilting the rear section of reinforcement 47 and the sunroof panel. In the fully tilted venting position, as shown in FIG. 8, block pin 59 abuts against a rearmost edge of camming surface 61 of reinforcement 47. Also, camming pin 93 of lever 53 abuts against a forwardmost edge of camming surface 57 of cam block 51. Second, further rearward movement of cam block 51 causes the sunroof assembly to linearly move in a fore and aft manner in the spoiler-like tilted orientation until it is fully open. In the fully open position (not shown), the rear section of reinforcement 47 and the sunroof panel will be upwardly tilted and overlap the rear section of housing 25 and the adjacent stationary roof. The preceding motions are reversed to close the sunroof. Various hall effect sensors and microprocessor control units may be employed in the electrical circuit associated with energization of the electric motor, in order to define preset venting or other positions. A sliding sunshade unit can also be used to selectively cover the lower surface of the sunroof panel.

FIG. 14 shows a typical section of the preferred embodiment seal 105. Seal 105 has a hollow bulbous section 221 with a compressible internal air pocket 223. A finger 225 with a free-standing edge 227 outwardly and upwardly extends from bulbous section 221. A pair of hollow legs 229 and 231 downwardly project from bulbous section 221, in a spaced apart yet parallel manner. An air pocket 233 is disposed within each leg 229 and 231. A series of projections 235 extend around the complete periphery of legs 229 and 231. Once installed, legs 229 and 231 are separated by an upstanding wall 251 of housing 25. A primer and adhesive are disposed in housing pockets 255 and 257 which receive legs 229 and 231, respectively. Seal 105 is extruded from a silicone rubber having an approximately 70 durometer. Two air access holes (not shown) are disposed through an interior upper edge of bulbous section 221 to allow for seal compression. Finger 225, the adjacent portion of bulbous section 221 and the adjacent vertical side wall of housing 25 optimally serve as a water carrying channel. Furthermore, the vertical compression of bulbous section 221 optimizes panel-to-housing sealing far better than the traditional horizontally extending weatherstrip projecting from a horizontal housing flange.

While the preferred embodiment of the spoiler sunroof has been disclosed, it will be appreciated that various other embodiments may fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, various aspects of the disclosed invention, such as the lock assembly and seal, may be employed for non-spoiler type sunroofs. Furthermore, other camming shapes and motions can be employed. Additionally, a metal sunroof panel can be readily substituted for the preferred glass panel. While various materials, shapes and sizes have been disclosed, other materials, shapes and sizes may be employed. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments which fall within the true spirit of this invention. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An automotive vehicle sunroof comprising: a sunroof panel; a track extending in a substantially fore and aft direction; an actuating mechanism movably coupling the sunroof panel to the track; a lock assembly movably coupled to the track, the lock assembly including a panel securing member and a finger; and a biasing member operably biasing the lock assembly in a first direction along a fore and aft axis relative to the track; the panel securing member being operable to retain a rear section of the panel in a closed position if the finger is engaged with the actuation mechanism and if the finger is located in a predetermined position; the panel securing member being disengagable from the rear section of the panel and allowing the rear section of the panel to move relative to the track if the finger is disengaged from the actuating mechanism, the biasing member operably serving to encourage disengagement of the panel securing member from the panel if the finger is disengaged from the actuating mechanism.
 2. The sunroof of claim 1 wherein the finger is operably movable in a crosscar direction to engage and disengage the actuating mechanism.
 3. The sunroof of claim 2 wherein the lock assembly further includes a head and an elongated shaft, the shaft joining the head to the panel securing member, and the finger being biased toward a vehicular centerline and away from the shaft.
 4. The sunroof of claim 3 wherein the lock assembly further includes a torsion spring coupling the finger to the head, the finger being made from plastic with a partially curved periphery, and an end of the spring being located internally in the finger.
 5. The sunroof of claim 1 wherein the actuating mechanism includes: a cam block coupled to the track and having a camming surface, the block being exclusively movable in the fore and aft direction relative to the track; and a lever having a lifting pivot, a camming pin and a fulcrum; the lifting pivot being operable to lift the panel; the camming pin being movably driven by the camming surface; and the fulcrum being movably coupled to the track.
 6. The sunroof of claim 5 wherein the fulcrum is movable in the fore and aft direction when the panel is operably moved from a closed position to an open position relative to the track.
 7. The sunroof of claim 5 wherein the fulcrum is substantially prevented from moving in a vertical direction relative to the track.
 8. The sunroof of claim 1 further comprising: a reinforcement affixed to a lower surface of the panel, the reinforcement having a camming surface; and a block pin extending from the camming block, the block pin operably riding along the camming surface of the reinforcement when it is desired to vertically move a front section of the panel relative to the track.
 9. The sunroof of claim 8 wherein: the track includes a substantially L-shaped camming surface having a substantially vertical front portion and a substantially horizontal rear portion; and the reinforcement further includes a main pivot operably engaging the substantially L-shaped camming surface, the substantially vertical portion of the L-shaped camming surface being operable to cause the main pivot and the front section of the panel to move in a substantially vertical direction after disengagement of the panel securing member from the rear section of the panel and prior to movement of the panel from the closed position to the open position.
 10. The sunroof of claim 1 further comprising a stop having an elongated projection and an enlarged segment, the track having a groove, the projection being located in the groove of the track, a portion of the lock assembly also being located in the groove of the track, the biasing member being a helically coiled spring coupling an end of the lock assembly to the stop, the spring being located in the groove of the track.
 11. The sunroof of claim 10 wherein the spring is an extension spring which aids in securing the stop to the track, the stop and spring being located adjacent the panel securing member and a rear end of the track.
 12. The sunroof of claim 1 wherein the finger and the panel securing member are vertically located between an upper crosscar plane of the track and the panel.
 13. The sunroof of claim 1 wherein the actuating mechanism is operable to move the panel from a closed position to a venting position and then to an open position, the rear section of the panel being located above a fixed roof when in the open position.
 14. A spoiler sunroof comprising: a sunroof panel assembly; a track extending in a substantially fore and aft direction; a lock assembly movably coupled to the track, the lock assembly including a panel securing member and a finger, the panel securing member being operable to retain a rear section of the panel assembly in a closed position if the finger is located in a first position, the panel securing member being disengagable from the rear section of the panel assembly if the finger is located in a second position; a helically wound spring operably biasing the lock assembly in the fore and aft direction relative to the track; a cam movably coupled to the track and having a camming surface; and a lever having a lifting segment, a camming segment and a fulcrum; the lifting segment being coupled to the panel assembly and being operable to lift the panel assembly; the camming segment being movably engagable with the camming surface; and the fulcrum being movably coupled to the track, the fulcrum being located substantially between and offset from the lifting and camming segments; wherein the cam and lever are operable to move the panel from a closed position to a venting position and then to an open position, the rear section of the panel being located in a tilted orientation when in the open position.
 15. The sunroof of claim 14 wherein the finger is operably movable in a crosscar direction to engage and disengage the cam.
 16. The sunroof of claim 15 wherein the lock assembly further includes a head and an elongated shaft, the shaft joining the head to the panel securing member, and the finger being biased toward a vehicular centerline and away from the shaft.
 17. The sunroof of claim 16 wherein the lock assembly further includes a torsion spring coupling the finger to the head, the finger being made from plastic and having a partially curved periphery, and an end of the spring being located internally in the finger.
 18. The sunroof of claim 14 wherein the fulcrum is substantially prevented from moving in a vertical direction relative to the track.
 19. The sunroof of claim 14 further comprising: a reinforcement affixed to a lower surface of the panel, the reinforcement having a camming surface; and a pin laterally extending from the cam, the pin operably riding along the camming surface of the reinforcement when it is desired to vertically move a front section of the panel assembly relative to the track.
 20. The sunroof of claim 14 wherein: the track includes a substantially L-shaped camming surface having a substantially vertical front portion and a substantially horizontal rear portion; and the panel assembly further includes a main pivot operably engaging the substantially L-shaped camming surface, the substantially vertical portion of the L-shaped camming surface being operable to cause the main pivot and the front section of the panel assembly to move in a substantially vertical direction after disengagement of the panel securing member from the rear section of the panel and prior to movement of the panel assembly from the closed position to the open position.
 21. A sunroof comprising: a track having a first groove and a second groove; a cam block having a camming surface, a portion of the cam block being movably located in the first groove, the cam block further having an aperture; an elongated shaft movably located in the second groove; a hook upwardly projecting from the shaft; a finger; and a spring coupling the finger to the shaft and urging the finger in a substantially crosscar direction, the finger being engagable with the aperture of the cam block.
 22. The sunroof of claim 21 further comprising a spring coupling an end of the shaft to the track.
 23. The sunroof of claim 22 wherein the spring is a helically wound spring located in the second groove.
 24. The sunroof of claim 21 wherein the finger is made from plastic molded upon an end of the spring which is metallic, the spring having at least one winding.
 25. The sunroof of claim 24 wherein the spring is a torsion spring.
 26. The sunroof of claim 21 further comprising a sunroof panel assembly movable from a closed position to a venting position when the cam block is movable from a first position to a second position, the panel further being movable from a venting position to an open spoiler position when the cam block is moved from the second position to a third position.
 27. The sunroof of claim 26 wherein the hook is engagable with the sunroof panel assembly when the sunroof panel assembly is in a fully closed position.
 28. The sunroof of claim 21 wherein the hook and the finger vertically project above the second groove of the track.
 29. The sunroof of claim 21 wherein the cam block has a lateral face and the aperture is a depression in the lateral face. 